Event Detail Information

Event Detail Information

The Nutcracker

The Springfield Ballet Company proudly presents its 38th annual production of The Nutcracker, proudly sponsored by CEFCU.

Set to Tchaikovsky's enchanting score, The Nutcracker is a timeless holiday classic that follows Clara and her Nutcracker from a lavish Christmas party to a fierce battle with the evil Mouse king, then to a magical journey through the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets. The production features a cast of 130, including children and adults from the Springfield area, Company members and incredible guest artists.

"Our production of the Nutcracker has become more beautiful and enchanting every year. Don't miss this spectacular performance. It is the perfect introduction to ballet and the performing arts -- combining culture, fantasy, magic and holiday tradition set to a recognizable and delightful score. We are proud to be part of the holiday tradition for so many families in central Illinois," said SBC Artistic Director Julie Ratz.

Company member, Jocelyn Fuhr, will dance the role of Clara, with Carolina Ballet Theatre (CBT) guest danseur Peter Base as her Nutcracker Prince. Other guest dancers from CBT are Francesca Genovese as the delicate Sugar Plum Fairy; Samuel Chester as her Cavalier; Erica Wesselman (former SBC dancer) and Martin Justo, who will dance the roles Snow Queen and King; and Chicago-based dancer Todd Kiech as the Arabian Coffee.

The Springfield Ballet Company was founded in 1975 as a merger between Copper Coin Ballet and Ballet Concert Group. Grace Luttrell Nanavati and Dorothy Irvine were co-directors of the SBC when it staged it's first production of The Nutcracker; and Julie Ratz, SBC Artistic Director, performed as a soldier in the 1975 production.